The healthy cherry tree starts with healthy roots. These have the task of absorbing oxygen, water and nutrient salts from the soil and passing them on to the sprout organs. In addition, the roots ensure a secure hold.
structure of the roots
According to the strength of their formation, a distinction is made between main, secondary and fibrous roots. The main roots grow more or less steeply downwards. Depending on the soil conditions, their root depth can be as much as two meters. The secondary roots go almost horizontally from the main roots and thus open up the entire soil space that can be rooted through.
The fibrous roots are located on the secondary roots, the actual active parts of the roots, where both growth and nutrient uptake take place. The parts of the root that are no longer actively involved in water absorption become lignified and serve to anchor and conduct the nutrient solution.
development of the roots
The root development of a fast-growing sweet cherry tree spreads and deepens in deep soil, possibly forming a so-called taproot. The weaker sour cherry, on the other hand, is considered a flat-rooted plant. On compacted soil, the sweet cherry also forms a heart-like root system.
As soon as the main root has reached a certain depth, roots form up to just below the surface of the earth, which penetrate the entire rootable layer up to the outermost edge of the crown. The reach of the roots is longer, the drier and poorer the soil is.
Protection and care of the roots
The roots of the fruit trees are by no means particularly deep. The bulk of the cherry tree roots is in the layer up to 50 cm deep. To keep the roots strong, you should give them some care:
- when buying a bare-root tree, make sure that the root system is sufficient and well-branched,
- when planting or transplanting dried, damaged and too long
Cut off roots with sharp scissors so that the ends can heal better and new roots are encouraged,
- In particularly cold winters, make a tree disc out of leaves or mulch (€239.00) to protect the roots.
tips and tricks
"Whoever plants trees takes root", "finding your way back to your roots" - the word "root" is used symbolically in many idioms and stands for sedentary, close to home, down-to-earth.